Mobility care planning: Expert support for safe movement at home

Written by: Dimple Chandarana
Last updated: July 2025

When mobility becomes compromised, clinical expertise makes the difference between maintaining independence and requiring intensive support. Around 30% of people aged 65 and over fall each year. This makes mobility planning essential for staying safe at home.

What is a mobility care plan?

A mobility care plan is a clinical document that outlines specific goals and interventions. It's designed to maintain or improve someone's ability to move safely and independently at home.

Unlike general fitness advice, these plans are tailored to individual medical conditions. Our clinical team creates personalised care that adapts as needs change.

The NHS defines mobility care planning as "a systematic approach to assessing, planning and delivering interventions that support safe movement and reduce fall risk in older adults."

Who needs a mobility care plan?

Several conditions commonly affect movement:

• Stroke survivors experiencing weakness or coordination difficulties
• People living with dementia who may have spatial awareness challenges
• Post-surgical patients recovering from hip or knee replacement
• Those with chronic conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or heart failure
• Individuals with visual impairments affecting balance and navigation

"When someone's mobility changes, early intervention makes all the difference. We work with families to find carers who understand both the clinical aspects of mobility support and the importance of maintaining dignity and confidence at home." - Dimple Chandarana

Components of an effective mobility care plan

A comprehensive plan follows the SMART goal format. Each goal must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Example SMART Goal: "Mr S will stand from a seated position unaided three times per day within four weeks, using chair arms for support initially."

Problem	Goal	Intervention	Outcome Measure
Reduced leg strength	Improve standing ability	Seated leg exercises 2x daily	Can stand unaided 3x/day
Poor balance	Reduce fall risk	Balance training with support	Passes basic balance test
Limited walking distance	Increase mobility	Supervised walking programme	Walks 20 metres independently

Nursing considerations and interventions

Our qualified carers work with healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based interventions:

Mobility assessment

Healthcare professionals use the Timed Up and Go test to assess fall risk. Those taking longer than 12 seconds to complete the test have an increased risk of falling.

Exercise interventions

According to NICE Guidelines, effective programmes should include:

• Strength training targeting major muscle groups
• Balance exercises progressing from supported to unsupported
• Functional movements like sit-to-stand practice
• Cardiovascular conditioning appropriate to individual capacity

Assistive devices

Walking aids should be properly fitted and regularly reviewed. A professional assessment should be conducted before prescribing mobility equipment.

Environmental modifications

Clinical home assessments identify hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, or inadequate handrails that contribute to falls.

Safe exercises for home mobility

These gentle exercises can be safely performed at home with appropriate supervision:

• Seated Marching: Sit upright in a sturdy chair and lift alternate knees. Start with 10 repetitions for each leg.
• Heel Raises: While holding onto a stable surface, rise onto toes and lower slowly. This strengthens calf muscles essential for walking.
• Arm Curls with Resistance Bands: Light resistance work helps maintain the upper body strength needed for balance reactions.
• Chair-Based Leg Extensions: Straighten and lower each leg whilst seated. This builds quadriceps strength for standing.
• Side Bends: Gentle trunk movements maintain core stability and spinal flexibility.

What support is available?

Professional carers play a vital role in implementing mobility care plans safely. Our experienced live-in carers receive specialist training in mobility support and can:

• Supervise exercise programmes designed by healthcare professionals
• Monitor progress and adapt activities as needs change
• Provide encouragement and motivation during challenging periods
• Ensure safety whilst promoting independence

Sample mobility care plan

Client: Person with mild mobility impairment

Assessment: Impaired physical mobility related to muscle weakness post-hospitalisation

Goal: Increase walking distance to 20 metres unaided within three weeks

Interventions:

• Supervised 10-minute walk twice daily, initially with a walking frame
• Seated strengthening exercises (leg extensions, calf raises)
• Balance training using a stable chair support
• Nutritional review to support muscle strength
• Regular hydration monitoring

Evaluation criteria:

• Weekly distance measurement
• Fall risk assessment using validated tools
• Client-reported confidence levels
• Carer observations of gait stability

Expected Outcome: Increased independence and reduced fall risk

Frequently asked questions

What is a care plan for impaired mobility?

A mobility care plan is a clinical document outlining specific goals and interventions. It helps people maintain or improve their ability to move safely and independently at home.

“The right mobility support doesn't restrict independence - it enhances it. When people can move safely and confidently in their own homes, they maintain control over their daily routines and the activities that bring them joy.” - Dimple Chandarana

Who writes a mobility care plan?

Mobility care plans are developed by healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists or specialist nurses. They work in consultation with the individual and their family.

What exercises are safe for seniors with poor balance?

Chair-based exercises and wall-supported movements are generally safe. However, all exercise programmes should be approved by a healthcare professional and supervised initially.

Expert-led mobility support at home

Creating and implementing an effective mobility care plan requires clinical expertise and consistency. Our qualified carers work alongside healthcare professionals to ensure your plan is followed safely whilst adapting to changing needs.

With personalised matching and ongoing clinical oversight, we help families maintain independence at home. You'll have the clinical knowledge needed for safe mobility improvement, delivered with compassion in familiar surroundings.

“Guardian Carers recognises the need for high-quality and reliable Carers to ensure that you and your loved one keep their independence and live a fulfilled life with our care and support.” - Hectoria Gyimah

Speak to one of our care experts about mobility support for your family member. No pressure, just answers when you need them most.